[CedarS]

I feel overwhelmed.

I am furious that my son's father won't answer his emails, won't help him out in any fashion. My son is 25, a very wonderful young man, dealing with poverty and other challenges. His father could help him but for whatever reason, will not. This so pisses me off.

I am stressed with increase in illness these two weeks or so. Not getting much of any break from pain and intense fatigue.

I'm mad at my girlfriend's boyfriend, he is a jerk to her.

My birthday is coming up and with it, traumatic memories. I am angry about what was done to me.

I am pissed off and weirded out by a recent experience with a man.

I am beyond saddened and grief struck by Hurricane Katrina.

*****************************

I feel overwhelmed, and my feelings are okay. I am not bad for feeling this. I will not be stuck in this forever, and I am not bad. Feelings are okay, I have the right to my feelings.

It is okay to be mad at my son's father, and I can also talk myself down about this. My focus can be on my own relationship with my son. I am a good mother and the fact that I can not do everything, the fact that poverty exists, the fact that my son doesn't always have a good time......does not mean I am a bad person.

Illness can be certainly stressful and I can take good care of myself. I can rest up more, take it easier, use my self help tools. If need be I can also ask for help.

This too shall pass.

It is okay that I don't like my girlfriend's boyfriend. Nothing I can do about his behavior. I can limit how much I hear about him, I can continue to support my friend in getting couples counseling and in taking good care of herself. I don't have to live with him, he is none of my business.

With re-emerging traumatic memories, I know what to do. I can also get help from others if I want. I can journal, distract myself, remind myself that I am good enough and that I am not evil, I can do things to help me feel safer. I can remember that I get to say No.

Concerning the experience with the weird guy, I can learn from it, and I can also be compassionate with myself. Just because he treated me badly does not mean I -am- bad.

I can mourn in a healthy fashion.

I also get to have fun sometimes. I get to eat well, remember to stay hydrated, stay away from borrowing trouble, and I can say No to what doesn't work for me and Yes to what does.

Sarah

[shadowdancer]

(((((((((((((Sarah))))))))))))))

it sounds like you've really thought this out and your suggestions for yourself are everything i would recommend too. so i'll just give you lots of encouragement to go through with the things you can do.

i'll also give you the knowledge that i do not think you are bad in any way, shape, or form. you are always such a positive influence on these boards and i love to read your posts because they are usually so encouraging. take care of yourself and feel free to PM me anytime you like.

i hope things get better soon!

-shadow

[wisewoman]

Sarah, as usual you are right on target. I am sorry for the stuff you are dealing with but so very glad to see you dealing in such a healthy way.

[CedarS]

Thanks you two.

I managed to sleep last night, going to take it real easy on myself today. My feeling of being inherently -bad- is a sign that I need to pay attention and take good care of myself, it comes from childhood trauma.

Sarah

[wisewoman]

Sarah, glad you are doing okay.

[dottie]

Hi. I am very sorry regarding your son. You are dealing with a lot of stuff right now..but it sounds like you have the strength & resources to make things manageable. Good luck.

~Dottie

[Flutter]

Well happy birthday soon! Mines coming up too...not really looking forward to that.

I'm sorry for your son and can understand your anger. I hope things go better from him soon.

((((((((((((Sarah)))))))))))))

[CedarS]

Flutter, when is your birthday?

(((((((Ozzie and all))))))